Since their debut in 2015, TWICE has redefined what it means to be a Kpop girl group. They have not only dominated South Korea’s music scene but also gained a massive following worldwide, helping expand Kpop’s global influence.
Known for their catchy melodies, vibrant music videos, and impeccable choreography, TWICE has become one of the most influential groups in the Kpop industry. But their success goes beyond just their music: it’s the unique bond they share with their fans and their remarkable journey that has made TWICE an iconic name in the world of entertainment.
In this guide, we’ll take an in-depth look at the group’s formation, its members, their musical journey, global success, influence, and where TWICE stands in the Kpop industry today. Whether you’re a long-time ONCE or just discovering TWICE, this ultimate guide will provide a comprehensive look at their legacy.
Table of Contents
- The Formation of TWICE: The Survival Show SIXTEEN
- The Meaning Behind TWICE and Their Fandom
- TWICE’s Members: A Deep Dive into Their Stories
- Nayeon
- Jeongyeon
- Momo
- Sana
- Jihyo
- Mina
- Dahyun
- Chaeyoung
- Tzuyu
- TWICE Discography: A Journey Through Their Music
- TWICE’s Global Success and Achievements
- TWICE’s Influence on the Kpop Industry
- TWICE’s Solo Projects and Future Endeavors
- Where is TWICE Now?
The Formation of TWICE: The Survival Show SIXTEEN
The story of TWICE begins on the competitive survival reality show SIXTEEN, which was aired by JYP Entertainment in 2015. The show was designed to find the ideal members for the company’s next girl group, and it became a fan-favorite not only in South Korea but also internationally. The show featured 16 trainees competing for a spot in the new girl group, and the final lineup would consist of nine members.
Unlike many survival shows that focus heavily on talent alone, SIXTEEN emphasized qualities like personality, perseverance, and teamwork, which made it stand out. The combination of public voting and judges’ opinions made it a gripping spectacle, with fans eagerly watching the elimination process unfold.
Initially, JYP had planned for TWICE to consist of seven members. However, after seeing how well the audience connected with several trainees, the decision was made to expand the lineup to nine members. This decision has been praised as a turning point, as it allowed for a diverse range of talents and personalities to come together in the final group.
The journey was not without challenges. Momo, one of the group’s most prominent dancers, was initially eliminated, but after receiving overwhelming support from fans, she was re-added to the group due to her undeniable dancing skills. Additionally, Tzuyu, the youngest member of the group, was the final member chosen through fan voting, cementing her place in TWICE despite not initially being a frontrunner.
The Meaning Behind TWICE and Their Fandom
The name “TWICE” holds great significance in Kpop and reflects the group’s dual impact. Park Jin-young, the founder of JYP Entertainment, coined the name, stating that the group would impress listeners “once through the ears and once through the eyes.” The idea was to create a group that would be memorable not only because of their music but also because of their strong visual appeal and performances.
The name of TWICE’s fandom, ONCE, is equally meaningful. It symbolizes the reciprocal relationship between TWICE and their fans: if fans show love for TWICE even once, the group promises to return that love twice as much. This concept of mutual support has been a driving force behind their success and is why ONCE has become one of the most dedicated and supportive fanbases in Kpop.
TWICE’s Members: A Deep Dive into Their Stories
Nayeon
Im Nayeon, born September 22, 1995, is often seen as the center of the group, both in terms of her position in the group’s visual concept and her role as one of the lead vocalists. Having trained for nearly five years before debuting with TWICE, Nayeon’s perseverance and work ethic have been integral to the group’s success. She has an innate ability to capture the attention of audiences, whether through her charming smile or her powerful vocals.
Nayeon’s personality shines on and off stage. Known for her outgoing and bubbly nature, she has been a key figure in many of TWICE’s variety show appearances, where she’s often the one to make everyone laugh. Her ability to connect with fans has made her one of the most beloved idols in Kpop. Nayeon has also proven her abilities outside of the group with the release of her solo work, further establishing her as a multi-faceted artist.
To learn more about Nayeon, check out our blog post!
Jeongyeon
Yoo Jeongyeon, born November 1, 1996, has a distinctive voice that sets her apart from the other members. Her deep, husky tone is one of the signature sounds of TWICE, and she’s often praised for her ability to deliver powerful vocal performances. Jeongyeon trained for several years before debuting, and although she almost debuted with a different girl group, she ultimately became one of TWICE’s main vocalists.
Jeongyeon is also known for her kind and caring personality. Despite facing several health challenges, including anxiety, she has always remained dedicated to TWICE and her fans. Her bravery in taking breaks to prioritize her well-being while maintaining a positive attitude in the face of adversity has made her a role model for fans around the world.
To learn more about Jeongyeon, check out our blog post!
Momo
Hirai Momo, born November 9, 1996, is widely regarded as one of the best dancers in Kpop. Born in Japan, Momo initially competed in SIXTEEN but was eliminated due to the intense competition. However, her powerful dance abilities caught the attention of JYP Entertainment, who reintroduced her as a member of TWICE. Since then, Momo’s incredible skill has been a defining characteristic of the group, and she has garnered attention for her captivating performances.
Momo’s dancing style is known for its precision, energy, and fluidity. She has been praised by her fellow members, as well as industry professionals, for her unmatched commitment to improving her craft. Beyond her dance skills, Momo’s engaging and fun-loving personality has made her a fan favorite. Her playful nature often shines during variety shows, where she’s known for her comedic timing and ability to make others laugh.
Momo and the other Japanese members, Sana and Mina, have a subunit Misamo.
To learn more about Momo, check out our blog post!
Sana
Minatozaki Sana, born December 29, 1996, is another member who adds her own unique charm to TWICE. Known for her bubbly and bright personality, Sana’s presence lights up any room. Her catchphrase “Shy, shy, shy” from Cheer Up became iconic, and her sweet and quirky nature has made her a standout star in TWICE.
Sana’s talents extend beyond her cuteness. She is an accomplished vocalist with a distinctive voice that adds depth and color to the group’s music. Fans adore her for her ability to balance her cute image with mature and graceful performances. Sana has also proven herself as a skilled performer, often taking on complex choreography with ease and grace.
Sana and the other Japanese members, Momo and Mina, have a subunit Misamo.
Jihyo
Park Jihyo, born February 1, 1997, is the leader of TWICE and main vocalist. Her leadership has been one of the main driving forces behind the group’s success. Known for her strong stage presence, Jihyo is a powerhouse vocalist who has played a key role in TWICE’s vocal lineup. She has a remarkable range and is often praised for her consistency and ability to deliver both powerful and emotional performances. She also released her solo song “Killin’ Me Good” in 2023.
Before debuting with TWICE, Jihyo trained for over ten years under JYP Entertainment, making her one of the longest-trained idols in the Kpop industry. Her dedication and determination have shaped her into an artist who leads by example. As the leader of TWICE, she has also been instrumental in guiding the group through challenges, balancing the individual personalities within the group while keeping them united.
Mina
Myoui Mina, born March 24, 1997, is the group’s main dancer and a vocalist. Originally from the United States, Mina moved to Japan at a young age and joined JYP Entertainment as a trainee. Known for her graceful and fluid dancing style, Mina has been praised for her elegance and poise, especially in more sophisticated dance routines.
Despite facing health issues that temporarily affected her ability to perform, Mina’s perseverance and love for her fans have kept her going strong. She has a quiet and gentle personality, but her stage presence speaks volumes. Whether performing on stage or appearing on variety shows, Mina’s beauty, both inside and out, shines through.
Mina and the other Japanese members, Momo and Sana, have a subunit Misamo.
Dahyun
Im Dahyun, born May 28, 1998, is known for her energetic and playful personality. As one of TWICE’s lead rappers, Dahyun has made her mark with her distinct rap style and unique voice. She is one of the mood makers of the group, contributing to their energetic performances with her infectious enthusiasm and charm.
Dahyun’s ability to switch between rap and singing has made her an incredibly versatile member of TWICE. Her comedic sense of humor is another trait that makes her beloved by fans. She is often the center of variety shows due to her ability to make people laugh, and her vibrant, spontaneous personality brings a sense of fun to the group’s dynamic.
Chaeyoung
Son Chaeyoung, born April 23, 1999, is one of TWICE’s main rappers and a vocalist. Known for her sharp rap delivery and smooth vocal transitions, Chaeyoung has earned praise for her distinctive sound and versatility. She joined JYP Entertainment at a young age, and like many of her fellow members, she trained for several years before debuting with TWICE.
Chaeyoung is also recognized for her creativity. Aside from her musical talents, she’s known for her artistic abilities and love for fashion, often showcasing her unique style through her social media posts and public appearances. Her skills in songwriting and composing have also come to the forefront, making her one of the most creatively driven members of the group.
Tzuyu
Chou Tzuyu, born June 14, 1999, is TWICE’s youngest member, or “maknae,” and is often regarded as the visual of the group due to her striking beauty and elegant presence. Tzuyu was discovered at a young age in Taiwan and joined JYP Entertainment as a trainee, quickly earning a spot in TWICE due to her impressive visual appeal and growing talents. Tzuyu also made her solo debut in 2024 with “Run Away”.
Despite being the youngest, Tzuyu has proven to be a strong performer, whether in singing, dancing, or modeling. She is often praised for her graceful dance moves, which perfectly complement the group’s energetic choreography. Tzuyu’s calm and reserved personality off-stage contrasts with her confident and powerful presence during performances.
TWICE Discography: A Journey Through Their Music
Since debuting, TWICE has released a string of hit songs, each one marking a new chapter in their musical evolution. Their ability to craft catchy melodies and engaging music videos has made them one of Kpop’s most influential groups. Albums like The Story Begins (2015) with the title track “Like Ooh-Ahh” and *Twicetagram* (2017) with the title track “Likey” introduced fans to their fresh and vibrant style, while later releases such as Feel Special (2019) With the title track “Feel Special” and Taste of Love (2021) with the title track “Alcohol-Free” showcased their growth and maturity as artists.
Currently the most popular TWICE music video is “What is Love?” with 829 million views. And the most streamed song on Spotify is “Fancy” with 518,838,362 streams.
The group’s discography reflects their journey from youthful exuberance to becoming seasoned performers capable of tackling complex themes and concepts. Each album tells a different story, from the playful and cute concepts of their early days to the more sophisticated and empowering narratives in their later works.
TWICE’s Global Success and Achievements
From their chart-topping hits to their impressive international tours, TWICE’s global success is undeniable. The group’s popularity in Japan is a testament to their wide appeal. They have had multiple Japanese comebacks, and they have three Japanese members. Their music and performances continue to break records, whether it’s their YouTube views, streaming numbers, or the number of concert tickets sold worldwide.
They’ve consistently made history at prestigious award shows, collecting trophies for their music, performances, and influence in the Kpop industry. TWICE is regularly listed among the most influential and successful groups in the world, with accolades ranging from their Billboard chart success to their multiple wins at the Mnet Asian Music Awards (MAMA).
TWICE’s Solo Projects and Future Endeavors
While TWICE is still going strong as a group, the members have also ventured into solo projects, showcasing their diverse talents.
Nayeon became the first member to release a solo album, IM NAYEON (2022) with the title track “Pop”, which was a massive success, and she later released NA (2024) with the title track “ABCD”.
Jihyo had her solo debut next, releasing the album ZONE (2023) with the title track “Killin’ Me Good” and fans fell in love with her vocals and cool choreography.
Tzuyu made her solo debut with the album abouTZU (2024) with the title track “Run Away”. Fans loved to see how the maknae of twice has grown and matured.
Their solo projects are a reflection of the group’s ability to evolve and experiment with different sounds and concepts. It’s clear that while TWICE may continue to grow as individuals, their bond as a group will remain unbreakable.
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